Project Success BWCA Adventures 2021: Friendship & Wilderness Exploration

After a challenging 2020-21 school year maneuvering throughout the pandemic, 76 Project Success middle and high school students were able to explore nature, create new friendships, and discover new-found life skills in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Through their seven-day trips in July, our students worked together to paddle, portage, cook, camp, navigate, and more, returning home with confidence and new experiences that will help propel them for a lifetime.  

Project Success has brought middle schoolers to the BWCA every year since 1998, many of whom have never experienced the wilderness or been outside the city. Our BWCA programming complements PS monthly in-class workshops, allowing students to create incremental goals and achieve them within a hands-on environment. While building upon familiar skills, learning new ones, and discovering confidence within themselves, the Boundary Waters trips invite a journey of self-discovery.  

The summer of 2020 was the first time we’ve ever had to cancel our summer trips, so we adapted due to COVID-19 and created the BWCA Adventure: Minneapolis Edition. This re-imagined programming was established for students to safely explore, engage, and connect with Minnesota’s natural treasures within their own communities. As a result of our work, Project Success was honored with the Conservation Award by one of our partner organizations, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Building upon this initial introduction to nature within Minnesota, many student participants were excited to explore and expand their own experiences, from camping and exploring nature at home to partaking in the BWCA adventures in person.  

We were thrilled to return to our annual trips this summer. We extended a special invitation to students who were signed up for the cancelled trip in 2020, and students who participated in our virtual Outdoor Club over the 2020-21 school year. Below is a sample of BWCA campers  reflections of the trip upon their return when asked about their biggest success, challenges and thoughts on the trip: 

 “I pushed myself to the limit and after I felt very proud of myself.” 

“I will remember to be inclusive of everyone because that feels really nice when others include you” 

“How powerful teamwork is and how much faster you can get things done…” 

“Food is better when you work for it!” 

“New friendships!” 

“I did that! I am strong enough to do that!” 

 Covid Safety in the BWCA 

While this year’s trips were centered around fun and discovery, Project Success took precautions to ensure students remained safe and healthy during the pandemic. Students were organized into pods, masks were provided, health screenings conducted, and small group drop-offs and pick-up times were put in place to ensure social distancing protocols were followed. There were also quarantine cabins in case a student was sick, hand sanitizers, and cleaning protocols at the camp. Although some details looked different from past trips, students still raved about the experience.  

Jenny Batten, Outdoor Adventures & Global Experiences Program Manager, noted the unique year of impact for our students:  

“Typically [student] highlights include animal sightings, a favorite trail food or even a personal challenge. This year, more than ever, I heard highlights that involved community, teamwork, inclusiveness and new friendships… both Nate, Wilderness Canoe Base Director, and I were so warmed and impressed by students’ thoughtfulness when they spoke of their connections to their group and their successes as a team. One student even mentioned that they ‘liked seeing everyone get stronger throughout the week.’ That sort of joy and care about another’s success shows great maturity and personal growth. As much as I absolutely adore being a part of fostering young outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, this trip is so much more about personal growth that can be applied in every aspect of a student’s life as they navigate through their future endeavors.” 

From learning about the wilderness, swimming in the lake, to orchestrating an impromptu musical related to their natural environment, and even building a bug city from sticks —Project Success students were able to slow down this July in northern Minnesota while simultaneously developing knowledge, confidence, and respect for the wilderness and themselves.  

We also often have past alumni from our Project Success program serve as volunteers and this year was no exception. We had three PS alumni return as volunteers, some who had experienced the same trip in their middle school years. Camille, another Project Success alum, was hired as a Wilderness Canoe Base guide for two PS  groups.  

 We received multiple notes of gratitude from families, such as this PS parent who shared,  “Damon has been to the BWCA two times with PS.  Both times he came back more mature, grounded, interactive, expressive about his trip, sharing the details, and so very proud of his accomplishment. Thank you so much for this program and all it takes to make it happen.  Even in a normal year – it is tremendously organized and orchestrated, and all geared to the kids experience. So, Damon is a PS Success! You all hit the mark.” 

Many thanks to our staff, volunteers, guides, Wilderness Canoe Base, and our generous supporters for helping to make these trips possible! We were so glad to be back on trail with our students!